Virginia Supreme Court Overturns Remaining Convictions Against Tiger King’s Doc Antle
Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, the owner of Myrtle Beach Safari who was featured in Netflix’s Tiger King, has had his remaining convictions overturned by the Virginia Supreme Court in a case involving endangered lion cubs.
Virginia’s highest court ruled that the state law at the center of the case prohibited the sale of endangered species but did not specifically prohibit their purchase. Based on that interpretation, the court overturned Antle’s remaining convictions.
While the decision concludes Virginia’s case against Antle, it does not affect a separate federal criminal case. In 2023, Antle pleaded guilty to wildlife trafficking and money laundering conspiracy charges involving protected wildlife and was later sentenced in federal court. Federal prosecutors alleged the case involved the illegal sale and transport of protected animals, including big cats and other exotic species.
The ruling comes as animal welfare and conservation organizations continue to raise concerns about the captive wildlife industry and the commercial trade of endangered animals. Advocates have long warned that the breeding, sale, and transport of big cats and other exotic wildlife can pose significant animal welfare, conservation, and public safety concerns.
The case highlights the importance of strengthening wildlife protection laws throughout the United States. Stronger penalties for wildlife trafficking could help deter illegal activity, safeguard endangered species, and combat the global illegal wildlife trade.
